Addressing the Westport Rotary Club to give a “state of the town” update, Marpe said word of the approval was “breaking news” that he learned Monday. The decision reverses a prior decision by state officials to deny funds to homeowners, only giving them to municipalities.

“Thanks to the tireless efforts of our Emergency Management Director and Fire Chief, Andy Kingsbury, and in collaboration with my counterparts from other shoreline communities, our state legislators and Congressman (Jim) Himes, we were able to reverse that decision,” Marpe said. “Hopefully, more will follow,” he added.

Speaking from prepared remarks for most of his 30-minute appearance, Marpe broke little new ground as he reviewed what he called “a very busy seven months” since taking office.